Help! Swift Mask User

[cybergt]

I am a side sleeper. I've been using the swift mask for almost three months. I am finally getting used to it (keeping it on for more than 5 hours a night).

But, when I check my data each morning I see that my AHI range from 5-8, most of the events are HI events and some are AI events. My mask leak number (on my resmed elite S8) ranges between 0.3-0.6.

Is this normal. I still feel unrefreshed in the morning. I just want to understand the acceptable AHI while you are on CPAP?

More info - My pressure is set at 8. I sometimes sleep on my back. I also suspect mask leaks in the night while I am sleeping. I have noticed that the SWIFT can easily shift to the side if it hit the side of the pillow. But, it does not come off. It goes back to normal position when I turn.

[JCraig]

AHI less than 5.0 is considered normal. Also note that back sleeping worsens apnea in most people; try to avoid it if possible.

[Knightfall]

But, when I check my data each morning I see that my AHI range from 5-8, most of the events are HI events and some are AI events. My mask leak number (on my resmed elite S8) ranges between 0.3-0.6.

I would try to get your leakage lower. At 0.6 L/s, you're just under the setpoint of 0.7 L/s of setting off the leak alert (if you have it enabled), so this is definetly something you want to correct. I have never used a nasal pillow system, so I can't offer any advice on how to go about that. I do have the same machine as you, and have been considering experimenting with the EPR settings in an attempt to lower my AHI, based on some posts I've read, such as this one:

viewtopic.php?t=12578&start=0&postdays= ... hlight=epr

Seems that lowering or even shutting off EPR has helped some people lower their AHI. MandoJohnny might be a real good source of info for you as I believe (by his information) he is also a swift user. Best of luck, Ken

[GoofyUT]

You may be mouth-breathing, whischw ould be why you're feeling bad and your numbers aren't where you want them to be. Pressurized traetment air is escaping through your mouth and not inflating your airway, as its supposed to. You'll need to get that fixed.

Remember though, that ResMeds notoriously over-score hypops.

Chuck

[cybergt]

viewtopic.php?t=12578&start=0&postdays= ... hlight=epr

Seems that lowering or even shutting off EPR has helped some people lower their AHI. MandoJohnny might be a real good source of info for you as I believe (by his information) he is also a swift user. Best of luck, Ken

[Knightfall]

Like I said in my earlier post, experimenting with EPR is something I am going to try soon. I don't like varying too many things at once; my current "favorite" battle is getting my Activa to behave. This mask was as good as gold for about a month, but for the last two or three weeks it has been "squirting" me with a shot of air in my right eye about once every other night, immediately waking me up.

Keep after the leak situation; GoofyUT's comment on mouthbreathing also warrants consideration. Are you experiencing any symptoms such as dry mouth or sore throat that would hint at mouthbreathing? Mouthbreathing would drive up your leakage stats also.

Here is a link to a post I found concerning the swift and leakage.

viewtopic.php?t=11500&start=0&postdays= ... ft+leaking

It meanders around, but there are a lot of good topics covered here in case you haven't read this before.
Best of Luck, Ken